HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
EXTRA SPACE IS ON DECK
One of the most inexpensive ways to add living space to
your home is the addition of an outdoor deck or patio. Having
a great outdoor space is like adding an extra room to your
house. It can be enjoyed by the whole family, or experienced in
quiet solitude as a retreat to the Zen of outdoor living.
If you like to entertain, then an outdoor space is a must.
Guests can spill out onto the patio, extending your home to
allow more freedom for guests to mingle, both inside and out.
Though the words “patio” and “deck” are often used
interchangeably, there is a difference. A patio is generally
constructed of stone pavers, tile or a simple concrete
foundation that sits squarely on the ground. Decks are usually
made of wood, PVC (also called vinyl) or composite, which
has wood content that has been encapsulated in a PVC
wrap. Decks can either be ground level or elevated. When
considering which option is best for you, you’ll want to look
at the costs and also which one works well with the style of
your home. The good news is that regardless of the option
you choose, you’ll get a positive return on your investment,
somewhere between 30% and 75%.
For a wood frame house, wooden, composite or PVC decks
can match the trim of your existing home. Since wood can
be painted, a wooden deck offers the most color options;
however it will also require frequent repainting. Both PVC and
composite decks are available in a wide range of earth tones to
match your home’s style.
PVC and composite decks require less maintenance in the
long run. Although wooden decks run about $2 - $3 per square
foot, they do require more maintenance and will have to be
resealed every few years to give them maximum life.
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Both PVC and composite decks will run an average of
$8 - $9 per square foot. They will require power-washing for
cleaning, with frequency depending on location. If the deck is
adjacent to trees and shrubbery, leaves and pollen will settle on
the frame and washing is required to keep it looking sharp.
If your home is made of stone, you may opt for a patio that is
a continuation of the stone look, but this also works well with
a wood frame or brick home. Patios work best in yards that
are level, while a deck can be placed pretty much anywhere,
including a hilly or uneven lawn.
Many homeowners add fire features to their outdoor area,
which functions as a gathering point for both family and